Richmond Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured, having a Richmond personal injury lawyer on your side can take the burden off your shoulders. It may seem overwhelming when you are dealing with injuries that may have kept you from returning to your job and earning a living. You may see your medical bills mounting alarmingly and feel panicked about your financial future and health.

This is the time when having a law firm that knows how to value your personal injury lawsuit and then get you the settlement you need and deserve. At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we want you to be able to heal from your injuries without worrying about how you will pay for your medical expenses or your normal monthly bills. We will be the advocates in your corner who will fight for you, your rights, and your future.

What Sets Us Apart as a Personal Injury Law Firm in Virginia

With law offices in Richmond, Chesterfield, Petersburg, and Mechanicsville, our attorneys represent personal injury clients throughout the state of Virginia. For your convenience, we will meet at the office located closest to you or come to you if needed. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to obtaining the best possible settlement quickly and professionally.

After an accident, you do not want to share your pain and grief with a stranger. You need someone who understands and is dedicated to your best interests to fight the insurance companies. Our attorneys work with you on a personal basis and are always available to handle your questions and concerns.

For answers to your questions about a Personal Injury in Richmond, call:
800-321-6741

Tronfeld, West & Durrett—Fighting for Injured Victims in Virginia Since 1972

Since 1972, our personal injury attorneys in Richmond have obtained settlements or jury verdicts for thousands of residents in Virginia. We are a team of experienced local lawyers helping our neighbors in need of legal representation. Our partners are each native—born and local to Virginia. Two of them served in the U.S. military, and all are involved in the community.

A serious personal injury can turn your life upside down, causing pain, mounting medical expenses, and time off work. Whether you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, through medical malpractice, a faulty product, or another situation, our attorneys will ensure you get the help you deserve from a caring and professional lawyer. For answers to your questions, contact a Richmond personal injury lawyer at 1-800-321-6741.

Understanding The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury law firm represents clients who need legal counsel if they’ve suffered physical or psychological harm. The attorney is there to protect their client from the negligence of other parties that caused the harm to help them receive financial compensation to pay for any necessary medical costs, lost wages, grief, pain and suffering, and any other types of damages that were related to the accident.

Virginia law, allows victims to recover monetary damages if the injured person was injured through the negligence or recklessness of the faulty party, which can include another person, company, or government. Examples of those damages may include fair compensation or reimbursement for items like:

• Lost wages
• Past and future medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Inconvenience
• Loss of economic opportunity
• Funeral expenses

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Types Of Injury Cases We Handle

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle many types of personal injury cases, leveraging our decades of experience to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients. Each case is unique, and our experienced attorneys provide personalized attention to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are the main types of injury cases we handle:

• Car accidents: Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. We work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure compensation for your recovery.
• Truck accidents: Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Our team is experienced in handling the complexities of truck accident claims to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
• Bus accidents: Bus accidents can result in multiple injuries and complex liability issues. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating these cases to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
• Bicycle accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable on the road, and accidents can lead to serious injuries. We advocate for injured cyclists to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
• Slip and fall accidents: Injuries from hazardous conditions on property can be severe. We help victims hold property owners accountable for their negligence and recover damages.
• Medical malpractice: Medical errors can have devastating consequences. Our team is experienced in handling complex medical malpractice claims to secure justice and compensation for affected patients.
• Product liability: When defective or dangerous products cause injuries, we hold manufacturers and retailers accountable, ensuring you receive compensation for your injuries.
• Head injuries and TBI: Traumatic brain injuries can require extensive medical treatments and impact your quality of life. We fight for the compensation necessary to cover long-term care and support.
• Wrongful death: Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. We help families pursue wrongful death claims to secure financial compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.
• Nursing home abuse or neglect: Ensuring your loved ones receive proper care is crucial. We stand against nursing home abuse and neglect, fighting for the rights and safety of residents.
• Catastrophic injury: Catastrophic injuries require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. We work tirelessly to secure the financial resources necessary for your recovery and well-being.
• Premises Liability: Premises liability involves holding property owners accountable for injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on their property.
• Dog Bites: You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, holding the dog owner accountable for their pet’s actions.

Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses, no matter the type of accident or injury you have suffered.

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How do I know if I have a good case?

We are one of the only law firms in Richmond (and Virginia) where you will speak directly to one of our legal professionals to answer your questions if you give us a call about your potential case. Our legal team will evaluate your case and let you know if there are any legal actions to be able to submit a compensation claim. Our goal is to prove that your injury was a result of another’s negligence.

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

In our experience, personal injury claims in Richmond arise from various unfortunate incidents that can drastically impact your life. These claims are essential for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

Here are the most common types we handle:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of personal injury claims we see. These incidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens due to negligent driving behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Our Richmond personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are unfortunately common and can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and substantial financial costs. We handle a variety of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions: Often caused by distracted or inattentive drivers.
• Head-on collisions: Typically result in severe injuries due to the force of impact.
• Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur at intersections and can cause significant harm.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups: Often occur on highways and can be extremely complex to resolve.
• Hit-and-run accidents: Incidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene.
• Distracted Driving: Significantly increases the risk of accidents, making it a leading cause of personal injury cases and highlighting the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Often result in severe injuries and fatalities, emphasizing the critical need for responsible driving practices.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often involve unique factors such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, and overloaded trucks. Our attorneys are ready to handle all types of truck accidents, including:

• Jackknife accidents: When the trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the truck cab.
• Underride accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck.
• Rollover accidents: Often caused by high speeds or sharp turns, resulting in the truck tipping over.
• Cargo spills: When improperly secured cargo falls off the truck and causes accidents.
• Blind spot accidents: Happen when a truck driver fails to see other vehicles in their large blind spots.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for serious injuries in accidents due to their exposure and lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Common causes include lack of visibility to other drivers, road hazards, and reckless driving by other motorists.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and when they fail to do so, injured parties can seek compensation for slip and fall accidents. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your fall and help you pursue a claim.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care, leading to patient injury or death. This can include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or failure to diagnose a condition.

Product Liability

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible for selling products that are unsafe for consumers. These cases can involve a wide range of products, from faulty electronics to dangerous pharmaceuticals.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover from a Richmond Personal Injury Claim?

In Virginia, personal injury victims can recover various types of damages to compensate for their losses. These include:

• Economic damages: These cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. For example, you may recover costs for surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed due to the injury.
• Non-economic damages: These address the intangible impact of the injury, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This compensation reflects the overall decline in your quality of life due to the accident.
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

However, Virginia law has specific caps on certain types of damages. For instance, punitive damages are capped at $350,000, while medical malpractice claims have a cap that increases annually until it reaches $3 million in 2031.

Your personal injury attorney will help you calculate the fair amount of compensation you can claim, ensuring all your needs are covered.

How The Injury Claim Process Works in Richmond

Overall, these are the typical steps involved in a personal injury claim:

1. Initial consultation: Meet with an attorney to discuss your case and determine the best legal strategy.
2. Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
3. Claim filing: Your lawyer will file the necessary legal documents to initiate your claim.
4. Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to seek a fair settlement.
5. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

At every step, your attorney will be available to answer your questions, provide honest advice, and help with the paperwork and negotiations.

Statute of Limitations In Richmond

Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, according to Virginia law. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the type of claim and the circumstances of the case. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett promptly to ensure you meet all legal deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

What is a settlement?

A settlement refers to an agreement reached between parties involved in a legal dispute, often before or during a trial, to resolve the matter without proceeding to court.

Steps to take after a personal injury

When you suffered an incident resulting in personal injury, it becomes imperative to take a series of actions to safeguard your well-being and potential legal claims, including:

• Seeking medical care: Initiate the process by promptly seeking medical care, even if injuries appear minor.
• Preserving vital evidence: Engage in the gathering and preservation of evidence from the accident scene. This includes essential documents such as medical records, prescriptions, and receipts related to the injuries, forming a critical foundation for potential legal claims.
• Obtaining appropriate treatment: Following the assessment of potential injuries, securing proper treatment is paramount for a comprehensive recovery.
• Collecting pertinent information: Whenever feasible, gather the name and insurance information of the party responsible for the accident.

Your well-being is of utmost importance, and taking the right steps can significantly impact your recovery and your chances to claim compensation.

Who is at fault in a personal injury case?

The assignment of fault plays a crucial role in establishing liability and seeking compensation for the injured party. When these accidents occur, several factors contribute to determining fault, including:

• Negligence: One of the primary considerations is whether any party involved acted negligently. Negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, and if this negligence directly leads to injury, the negligent party may be deemed at fault.
• Breach of duty: This aspect examines whether the defendant had a duty to act or refrain from acting in a certain way toward the plaintiff. For instance, in the context of truck accidents, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of others on the road. If a breach of this duty occurs, such as running a red light, and it results in an accident, this breach can be a determining factor in establishing fault.
• Causation: It’s essential to establish a direct link between the defendant’s actions (or inactions) and the injury sustained by the plaintiff. This means showing that the injury would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s breach of duty.

Considering each of these elements is crucial for anyone involved in a personal injury claim, as they form the basis of legal arguments and influence the outcome of the case. At our law firm, we will help you throughout the whole process of proving someone’s negligence to ensure you are fairly compensated for their wrongful actions.

Statistics

From 2018 to 2023, personal injury claims in the United States, including Virginia, experienced notable trends. Personal injury claims saw an overall growth in claims during this period. Nationwide, there was a significant surge in filings, with a 97% increase in claims noted around 2023​​. This rise was likely influenced by a few factors, including more awareness of legal rights for individuals and also the increase of actual accidents.

There are nearly 50,000 injury cases filed each year, which represents 97% of all civil filings nationwide, according to US government sources. In Virginia, vehicle accidents represent a significant number of personal injury claims. According to the last reports, there were over 122,434 vehicle crashes last year, with 1,005 fatalities registered. Of these over 100,000 yearly crashes, Virginia has registered 59,404 injuries, which represent the victims we represent. Motor vehicle accidents consistently remained one of the top causes for personal injury claims. In Virginia, below is information on the most common types of personal injuries that occurred in 2023.

Dealing with insurance companies

Effectively handling interactions with insurance providers is a crucial component of personal injury cases, and this process often includes:

• Notify the insurance provider: It’s imperative to promptly inform the insurance provider of the incident and furnish them with the requisite information.
• Document the incident: Thoroughly document the incident by capturing scene photographs and obtaining witness statements, as this documentation can prove pivotal for potential legal claims.
• Exercise caution in communication: Exercise prudence in your communication with the insurance company, recognizing that statements made can be utilized against you in future proceedings.
• Decline initial settlement offers: While insurance companies may extend settlements shortly after the incident, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a seasoned Richmond personal injury attorney before accepting any initial offers. These companies often offer settlements that don’t represent the full extent of damages suffered by the victims and their families.

In this context, our team can help you carefully analyze those settlements, making sure you only accept the amount you deserve and need to recover.

How Do I Choose a Personal Injury Attorney Near Me?

Choosing the right personal injury firm is an important step in the process. While you want an attorney you trust and feel comfortable talking to, you also want a Richmond personal injury attorney with significant experience in cases like yours—along with a good track record of “wins.” You need someone who gets results for their client.

Having an attorney who primarily practices personal injury law can make a difference in the outcome of your claim—your attorney will know how to secure a full and fair settlement that will completely cover your damages. A certain standard of conduct, called duty of care, is a legal obligation for companies and individuals to adhere to that could influence the safety and well-being of others. This duty is imposed by law in accordance with applicable statutes and precedents from relevant court decisions. Tronfeld, West & Durrett understand these laws and will help you fight to get justice through the legal process.

We Get Results That You Expect

Below are a few examples of large verdicts and settlements that Tronfeld West & Durrett has received for our clients, including the recognition of obtaining the largest jury verdict in Virginia two years in a row.

• $10,000,000 verdict for negligent medical care
• $5,000,000 settlement for a motor vehicle accident
• $1,300,000 settlement for a traumatic brain injury
• $1,250,000 verdict for medical malpractice

Specific case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past successful case results do not guarantee or predict future results.

Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you begin searching for the best Richmond personal injury attorney, you will want to ask the following questions—and pay close attention to the answers you receive:

How are you paid for your services?

Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers monetary damages on your behalf.

Have you handled cases specifically like mine before?

You can view our record of success from major case results from our law firm, which include both verdicts and settlements from similar cases, most likely (i.e., a motorcycle accident, traumatic brain injury, etc.).

How long have you been practicing personal injury law?

We have been helping personal injury victims in Virginia since 1972!

Do I need to go to court?

There are typically two ways to win a case. One way is to have the claim settled with an agreed upon amount of compensation. The other way is to file a lawsuit to take the case to court in Virginia if the insurance company is refusing to pay you fair compensation. This is the only time you would need to go to court.

Will I be updated regularly on the progress of my case?

We work closely with our clients and keep in close communication. You can check out our reviews with other valued clients of ours.

How a Richmond Personal Injury Attorney from Tronfeld, West & Durrett Can Help

At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we handle cases anywhere in Virginia and have offices locations in Richmond, Petersburg, Chesterfield, and Mechanicsville. For your convenience, we are able to meet at the office closest to you. Our highly experienced Richmond personal injury lawyer team is waiting to help you through this difficult time to get you maximum compensation for your physical and emotional pain. We will advocate for you at every turn, fighting on your behalf for the best settlement possible. Contact Tronfeld, West & Durrett today for a free legal consultation.

 

Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form